Poland's health care reform debate intensifies after Mentzen's criticism

Sławomir Mentzen, co‑leader of the Confederation party, used his X post to demand an end to the National Health Fund (NFZ) monopoly, calling for competition and saying "We must finally change this system." He blamed the ruling Civic Platform and Law and Justice parties for neglecting reforms, alleging that billions are being lost and patients are dying in queues.

The criticism comes amid scandals: a neurosurgery company was reported to have billed hospitals up to 26,000 zł per hour, and former KO councilor Dawid Kacprzyk earned about 1.6 million zł while serving on a ward that allegedly offered a VIP lounge for politicians. Kacprzyk was dismissed after the affair became public.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned he will make personal decisions on the health ministry if precise reform recommendations are not received by Tuesday, urging the NFZ and the Ministry of Health to propose systemic solutions. He also defended new health minister Jolanta Sobierańska‑Grenda’s competence.